The aquatic life

With spring right around the corner, Lake Norman’s beckoning call is getting louder and louder. And one of the best ways to enjoy all the lake has to offer is from aboard a boat. To help you pick out the vessel that best suits your budget, style and needs, we surveyed a number of local marine dealers to get details about the newest models available. See you on the water!

Couped Out

Model: 2012 Regal 35 Sport CoupeGreat for:

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Enjoying the water in any weather. An enclosed air-conditioned and heated cockpit means you can take this boat out whether sunshine or rain, summer or winter. The full beam retractable sunroof allows for a large, open-air cockpit when desired. The deck is equipped with two large lounges—the four-position ultra lounge aft and a foredeck two-position chaise lounge. This model is inspired by larger European yachts and delivers great functionality and ease of use with its joystick docking system. It can accommodate up to 22 passengers, and comfortably sleep seven.

Get this Party Started

Model: 2012 Sweetwater Premium 220 Wet BarGreat for:

Entertaining on the lake. Show your friends a good time on this 24-foot pontoon boat that features a bar with stools in the cockpit, large, comfortable captain’s chairs and couches, a chaise lounge, table, large cooler, and more. There’s also a changing room that will make it easy for you to go from your bikini in the afternoon to stylish loungewear in the evening. The new Sweetwater can accommodate 12 passengers.

Lake Luxury

Model: 2012 Sea Ray 250 SLXGreat for:

Cruising the waters in style and comfort. The name of this model sounds like that of a luxury car, which is fitting since its design is inspired by details found in fine automobiles. Backlit chrome toggle switches and Smartcraft gauges with glass lenses are set into a custom-caliber leather dash with contrasting double stitching. And there isn’t a bad seat on the 26 1/2-foot boat, with room for 12 people. Passengers in the bow area will enjoy two large forward-facing loungers, and the two cockpit bucket seats swivel to face aft while the boat is at rest.

Stands out because:

It features Sea Ray’s new quietRIDE technology, which incorporates advanced materials for sound and vibration absorption, reducing engine and water noise.

Accustomed to Custom

Model: 2012 Sea Ray 410 SundancerGreat for:

The detail-oriented consumer. The Sundancer line is synonymous with luxury, and this model doesn’t disappoint with rich woods, fine leathers, and lustrous metals. There’s teak and hand-cut tile in the master and day rooms, satin finish on the wood cabinetry, a bed with Visco elastic foam mattress and electric Posturepedic backrest extension that’s perfect for watching the standard 22-inch flat-screen television, and more.

Stands out because:

Buyers can customize inside and out this 41-foot vessel, choosing a second stateroom with its own bulkhead and door or an elegant dinette with fold-away table and comfortable seating for six; and outside they can keep the standard sport spoiler as is or opt for either an open or fully enclosed hardtop.

Engine:

Multiple engine and drive packages to choose from; standard is a pair of Cummins MerCruiser Diesel with V-drives.

Fast and Friendly

Model: 2012 Yamaha 212 SSGreat for:

First-time boaters. Yamaha has completely redesigned this sporty 21 footer for 2012. The tandem axle trailer with swing tongue, snap-in carpet, bow-filler cushions, bimini top, and cruise assist all come standard. The swim platform is very close to the water, making it easy to get on and off. Because of the jet-drive engines, there are no moving propellers to worry about and it only requires 16 inches of water compared to 35 inches in most stern-drive models.

Stands out because:

It goes from 0 to 30 mph in just 4 seconds, which is faster than any comparable sized competitor’s boat.

Over Achiever

Model: 2012 Bennington 2575 QCW I/OGreat for:

All your boating and entertaining needs. Not your typical pontoon boat, it features refined touches, from the rich diamond accent pillow-top furniture and raised helm to the illuminated cup holders and LED mood lighting. Quality defines this 28 footer and its maker, Bennington, is ranked number 1 by J.D. Powers & Associates for customer satisfaction due to its quality construction, unmistakable fit and finish, and great warranty.

Fit for a Buffett

Model: 2012 Berkshire Pontoons STS Series 240CLGreat for:

The elite boater. As if the Berkshire name wasn’t the first hint (built by Forest River, a Berkshire Hathaway Company), this boat defines luxury. The intricate stitch patterns, rugged but refined Berber carpet, wood dash and steering wheel, and integrated swim platform and exterior rail package are charming, while features like the GPS and audio systems make this boat as modern as they come.

Stands out because:

: You’ll be hard-pressed to find another luxury pontoon series that offers more features for less money, and with one of the best warranties in the business.

Water Works

Model: 2012 Premier 240 SunsationGreat for:

Fun for the whole family. You’ll enjoy this boat whether it’s during an afternoon with the kids or an evening with friends. There’s room for a dozen people to relax on the signature leather couches. But up top is where the action is. The walk-on, hardtop upper deck is like an observation tower as you look out over the water. And the kid in you will be tempted to venture down the slide. After having a little fun in the water, you can resign to the pop-up changing room to prep for the next activities.